Improving program and project management as specified in the 2016 Program Management Improvement Accountability Act “will require sustained and focused efforts by agency leadership,” OMB has said in initial guidance (memo M-18-19) on carrying out that law.
That law requires government-wide standards and policies for program management; establishes an interagency council to improve P/PM practices; establishes the position of program management improvement officer within agencies; requires that agencies conduct annual portfolio reviews of programs in coordination with OMB; and requires that OMB conduct reviews of areas on GAO’s list of programs at high risk of fraud and mismanagement.
The memo sets a five-year strategy to:
* “Leverage a coordinated approach and governance structure that clarifies key roles and responsibilities for senior leader engagement in strengthening P/PM, and establishes broadly applicable program management principles and standards.
* “Hold managers accountable for results through annual program portfolio reviews. These reviews will assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement as well as point out barriers to achieving program outcomes.
* “Utilize a new or updated job series, or a job identifier, to better track the P/PM workforce and investment in building program management capacity and capability over time through increased training opportunities, career pathways, and mentorship opportunities.”
The memo covers topics including implementation phases, the roles of officials including COOs, the role of program management improvement officers, and general principles for managing programs.